The Contemporary Nomad is where five authors talk with you, dear reader, about the important subjects of the day. Whatever we decide they might be. Read more 
W I G N A L L
When the Edgar nomination came in for Who is Conrad Hirst? I noticed there was much talk about whether being nominated had any great impact on a book. Naturally, the same discussion occurs every year.
In the most obvious barometer, I certainly noticed a spike in my Amazon sales rank and that lasted until fairly recently. The net result thus far might only have been the sale of a few hundred additional copies, but they’re all people who probably wouldn’t have bought the book otherwise and who might go on to tell friends about it, so all gratefully received.
Meanwhile, there was a flurry of interest from foreign publishers and, as I’m told is traditional, the Japanese were the first out of the gate. Three Japanese publishers entered an auction for the book and I’m delighted to say I’ve just signed a contract with the winning house, Shinchosha Publishing, who will publish either late next year or in 2010. As I said, there was interest from other territories, and it’ll be interesting to see if any deals result, but the Japanese auction itself was a direct result of the Edgar nomination – so thanks, MWA!
Regular readers of this blog will know that my lack of foreign rights deals has been a real bugbear. Up until now I’d sold only the Russian rights to For the Dogs and, due to some problem with the translation (?), that book still hasn’t been published (the last I heard, it was scheduled for the end of March, but I don’t know if it actually appeared). The fact that foreign publishers are now showing an interest is hugely gratifying, and the Japanese market in particular is one in which I wanted to get a foothold – I’ll certainly be visiting to support the lauch of the book.
And speaking of visiting and the Edgars… I knew from the outset that there was a serious clash with regards to the Awards banquet. I’d be dishonest if I didn’t admit that Awards ceremonies don’t really appeal to me, but I would have gone anyway, not least for all the other Edgar Week celebrations. As it is, I’ll be somewhere in Europe (can’t say where just now), probably without internet access, and won’t be back until the 3rd. So if I lose, don’t think I’m sulking, and if I win, don’t be under the impression I think I’m too good for you – I’ll post about it as soon as I get back.
April 15th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Congrats on the Japan deal, Kevin. My Edgar nomination in the mmpp category also resulted in securing a Japanese publisher–finally, after four years of my U.S. publisher trying. They bought two books and both were just released this year. South Korea joined in with a purchase of the winning book. How sweet it is!
April 15th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I hope they’re doing good business for you, Naomi.
And for me, if nothing more comes of this than a Japanese deal, I’ll be happy with that.
April 15th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
I’m optimistic you will be Big In Japan, Kevin! Actually, I am sure you will.
Well done.
April 15th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Congratulations, Kevin, and best wishes for more international successes!
I missed my award. Thought I couldn’t possibly win. Maybe that’s lucky. Anyway, best wishes for that also.
April 16th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Congratulations on the Japan deal Kevin – long overdue!
April 16th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Congratulations, Kevin. Be sure to get a Japanese friend to retranslate the title back to English for you! With foreign editions you just never know…remember Olen’s ‘Cher Comrade’ from his French publisher?
April 16th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Yes, I have a few Japanese friends who are fluent English speakers and I’ve already thought of asking them to read both – depends on the translator, I suppose.
It always reminds me of Thomas Mann, who was asked what he thought of the lady who translated all his books into English (and who is thought to be largely responsible for the author’s lack of popularity in the English-speaking world) – Mann said how lovely she was before noting, “she doesn’t know German, of course”!
April 16th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Congratulations Kevin-that’s terrific! I’ve got my fingers crossed for the Edgar win-I certainly enjoyed Conrad Hirst and think it’s an award winner!
April 29th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Kevin, great news about the Japanese deal. I suspect the Edgar effect will have longer legs than you might imagine. There is the pre-Edgar anticipation, and of course the sales and interest that will come afterward.